ARCON gives deadline for documentation of Non-Nigerian Ad practitioners

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has given March 31 as the deadline for Advertising agencies presently engaging non-Nigerians to obtain approval for such employment with the council.

The apex regulatory body, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr Lekan Fadolapo, stated that the directive, which affects full service, creative, media independent, out-of-home, digital and experiential agencies,  is part of the ongoing industry reform and the need to keep proper record of all non-Nigerians in the employment of those agencies.

The agency added that, with effect from April 1, 2024, employment of non-Nigerians would require prior approvals of the Council, in line with ARCON’s proclamation.

It stated further that applications for engagements of non-Nigerians would include: evidence of  work permit obtained from relevant government agencies; proof of remuneration package and conditions of service as comparable to those offered to Nigerians on the same status and positions; and proof that such employment would assist in transferring new skills and knowledge to Nigerians and evidence that such engagement will not affect the employment of Nigerians negatively, among others.

“Advertising agencies which currently engage non-Nigerians are requested to obtain approval for  such employment before 31 March, 2024 for regularisation,” the agency stated.

While reiterating the readiness of the nation’s advertising space to accommodate non-Nigerians, ARCON however, insisted such individuals must be certified and licensed by the agency, in line with the nation’s advertising laws.